The Flood Tide
By Edwin John Dove Pratt
He paused a moment by the sea,
Then stooped, and with a leisured hand
He wrote in casual tracery
Her name upon the flux of sand.
The waves beat up and swiftly spun
A silver web at every stride;
He watched their long, thin fingers run
The letters back into the tide.
But she had written where the tide
Could never its grey waters fling;
She watched the longest wave subside
Ere it could touch the lettering.
Poem Analysis:
"The Flood Tide" by Edwin John Dove Pratt is a poignant and introspective exploration of impermanence, memory, and the passage of time. Through its evocative imagery and lyrical language, the poem delves into the themes of transience and the fleeting nature of human connection. Let's delve deeper into the poem's themes, imagery, and underlying messages.
Impermanence and Transience
At the heart of "The Flood Tide" is a meditation on impermanence and the ephemeral nature of existence. The act of writing the woman's name upon the sand symbolizes the fleeting moments of human connection and the inevitability of change. Despite the narrator's attempt to immortalize her name, the relentless tide swiftly erases it, emphasizing the impermanence of human endeavors and the relentless passage of time. The image of the waves beating up and spinning a "silver web" at every stride evokes a sense of ceaseless movement and change, underscoring the transient nature of life and experience.
Memory and Legacy
The poem also explores the theme of memory and legacy, particularly in relation to the woman whose name is written upon the sand. While the physical inscription may be washed away by the tide, the memory of her presence persists in the narrator's mind. The mention of her watching the longest wave subside before it can touch the lettering suggests a sense of anticipation and vigilance, as if she is guarding her own legacy against the forces of time and nature. In this way, Pratt highlights the enduring power of memory and the ways in which individuals strive to leave a lasting impression upon the world.
Contrast of Permanence and Transience
Throughout "The Flood Tide," Pratt juxtaposes the impermanence of the sand inscription with the enduring presence of the woman herself. While the physical inscription is washed away by the tide, the woman remains untouched by its fleeting effects. This contrast highlights the tension between the ephemeral and the eternal, inviting readers to contemplate the fleeting nature of human existence in the face of timeless natural forces. The poem thus serves as a meditation on the complexities of memory, legacy, and the enduring impact of human connection amidst the backdrop of a vast and indifferent universe.
"The Flood Tide" by Edwin John Dove Pratt is a poignant reflection on impermanence, memory, and the passage of time. Through its evocative imagery and lyrical language, the poem invites readers to contemplate the transient nature of human existence and the enduring power of memory. Pratt's exploration of the interplay between permanence and transience serves as a meditation on the complexities of life and the ways in which individuals strive to leave a lasting legacy in a world characterized by constant change. Ultimately, "The Flood Tide" encourages readers to cherish the fleeting moments of connection and embrace the beauty of impermanence in all its forms.
